Nature and Biodiversity Newsletter Number 47 | February ... · nature and biodiversity newsletter |...

1nature and biodiversity newsletter | Februar y 2020

NATURAN u m b e r 4 7 | F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0N a t u r e a n d B i o d i v e r s i t y N e w s l e t t e r

2000

Environment

The new European Green Deal

ISSN

24

43-7

727

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© Bruno D

’Amicie / naturepl.com

It is my great honour and privilege to take up the reigns as the new Commissioner for the environment, oceans and fisheries at this defining moment in Europe’s history. As a Lithuanian born after the re-establishment of the Independence of Lithuania, the European ideal is in my DNA. For me, Europe is synonymous with freedom and opportunity, with hope and solidarity.

The new Commission starts its mandate with high ambitions thanks to the new European Green Deal. Our first objective is to make Europe climate neutral by 2050. But, this must be accompanied by much wider environmental initiatives, starting with a new EU Biodiversity Strategy.

Our ambitions are high, but so are the stakes. Scientists have been warning us for years that we have only a short window of opportunity left in which to address the climate and biodiversity crises and transition towards a much more sustainable lifestyle that is within the earth’s capacity.

Ambitious climate and environment policies should also bring greater social justice since they improve health, quality of life and wellbeing for all. But I want to go a step further to ensure that the green transition works for all. We need targeted measures that leave no one behind, especially vulnerable people and communities.

Therefore, it will be essential to better integrate the Green Deal into the EU budget and also mobilise national and private funding. The combined opportunities of different EU funds under the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework – including the Common Agriculture Policy, Regional and Cohesion Funds, Horizon Europe, the European Marine and Fisheries Fund, LIFE and external action funds, need to be fully availed of.

To deliver on our climate and environmental ambitions, we also need to ensure our policies support each other. I will therefore strive for effective mainstreaming of environmental and biodiversity priorities across all policy areas to ensure effective systemic change. This includes improving the sustainability of our farming and fisheries practices and addressing the environmental impacts of the way we produce and consume food in Europe. We will also need to give higher priority to nature-based solutions, such as the protection and restoration of biodiverse and carbon-rich ecosystems, in the EU climate mitigation and adaptation policy.

The next years will be crucial. I will do all I can to make them count for nature and biodiversity, not only for our benefit but also for that of future generations.

Virginijus SinkevičiusEuropean Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries

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Editorial

Natura 2000nature and biodiversity newsletter February 2020CONTENTS3–5 The Nature Action Plan – taking stock of progress

6–7 Natura 2000 in cities

8–9 Natura2000 barometer – update December 2019

10–13The new European Green Deal

14–16 Natura News

Cover: Sunrise over bog, Endla Nature Reserve, Jogevamaa, Central Estonia.© Sven Zacek / naturepl.com

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Dati Bendo / European Com

mission

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© Pat Tucson / naturepl.com

nature and biodiversity newsletter | Februar y 2020

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Adopted in April 2017, the EU Action Plan for nature, people and the economy aimed to address the principal shortcomings identified during the fitness check of the two EU Nature Directives published the previous year. The Plan put forward 15 concrete actions, structured around four priorities, designed to speed up the implementation of the Directives on the ground and improve their coherence with broader socio-economic objectives. Nearly three years on, as the Action Plan reaches the end of its mandate, the time has come to look back at all that has been achieved.

The Nature Action Plan – taking stock of progress

Conservation measures are now in place for around 70% of all Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) under the Habitats Directive.

Environment

The EU Habitats and Birds Directives

An Action Plan for nature, people and the economy

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er Zwerver / Alam

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Priority A: Improving guidance and ensuring better coherence with broader socio-economic objectivesUnder this priority, the Commission, in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders, committed to develop and update several guidance documents in order to promote a greater understanding of the two Directives and help public

authorities and stakeholders apply their provisions more effectively. A total of six guidance documents have been published so far, following extensive consultations with interested parties. Four more are being finalised for adoption. Some, such as the Article 6 general interpretation guide or the species protection guide under the Habitats Directive, have been updated to take account of experience and recent EU Court of Justice Rulings. Others are entirely new and respond to identified needs for clarification in particular areas of activity, such as hydropower and energy transmission infrastructure. Each document provides comprehensive information on how Natura 2000 sites should be protected and managed,

including interactions with different key sectors, while also explaining the flexibility embedded in the Directives. They highlight the benefits of early strategic planning and smart participatory approaches that encourage the full involvement of landowners and other interest groups from the outset. In addition, the Commission has translated and summarised other existing guidance documents to ensure greater outreach, and is actively promoting them with the help of Member States and the Committee of the Regions. Also, under this priority, the Commission, in close collaboration with the European Environmental Agency (EEA), has improved the functionality and accessibility of the Natura 2000

nature and biodiversity newsletter | Februar y 2020


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Recent Commission Guidance on Natura 2000 (https://bit.ly/37kXE5H)

Guidance on fisheries and Natura 2000 under the Common Fisheries Policy

May 2018

Guidance on the requirements for hydropower in relation to Natura 2000

June 2018

Guidance on energy transmission infrastructure and EU nature legislation

June 2018

Article 6 interpretative guide on the conservation and management of Natura 2000

November 2018

Guidance to support the integration of ecosystems and their services into planning and decision-making processes

August 2019

Guidance on a strategic framework for further supporting the deployment of EU-level green and blue infrastructure

August 2019

Guidance document on wind energy developments and EU nature legislation

Ongoing

Methodological guidance on Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive

Ongoing

Guidance on species protection rules under the Habitats Directive Ongoing

Key concepts document on the period of reproduction and prenuptial migration of huntable bird Species in the EU

On going

Viewer (https://bit.ly/2H8bygK). This online tool enables users to locate Natura 2000 sites anywhere in the EU or search for any protected species or habitats within these sites. The Joint Research Centre (JRC), meanwhile, has created a smartphone application on Invasive Alien Species in Europe to enable the general public to receive and share information on 48 of the EU’s worst offenders. The user can record the GPS coordinates of any invasive species they spot in the wild and send in additional documentary evidence, such as photos, on their whereabouts (https://bit.ly/2Hcg51O). The work on satellite-based remote sensing as a support to better implementation of the nature directives has also been intensified and work is currently underway to develop a prototype for monitoring Natura 2000 habitats through satellite images under Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth Observation Programme.

Priority B: Building political ownership and strengthening complianceUnder this priority, Member States were urged to complete

the designation of their Natura 2000 sites as well as establish and implement the necessary conservation objectives and measures for all sites. The marine Natura 2000 network has since almost doubled in size. The number of sites with conservation measures in place has also increased to almost 70% of all Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) under the Habitats Directive. However, progress is still too slow across the board, which is why the Commission is increasing its infringement actions against Member States in order to force those who are lagging behind to redoubletheir efforts. The Commission has also organised a series of tailor-made discussions with each Member State to discuss the challenges of implementing the Nature Directives. These so-called bilateral “nature dialogues” have taken place in 22 countries so far and have enabled parties to agree on detailed roadmaps to help speed up implementation in their country and overcome remaining hurdles. These meetings have involved not only DG Environment and the nature authorities but also other relevant authorities, such

as those responsible for Rural Development Programmes under the CAP or Operational Programmes under other EU funds. This encouraged face-to-face discussions on key problems and a joint exploration of how Natura 2000 can be better integrated into other policy and funding priorities for that country. In addition, back-to-back meetings have been held with stakeholders to give them an opportunity to set out their views and indicate areas where greater efforts are needed to improve implementation. Additionally, the Commission has continued to support the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process, which brings Member State authorities and stakeholders together to share experience and expertise on key management, monitoring and financing challenges for Natura 2000 within each biogeographical region (https://bit.ly/38f9cZb). Also under this priority, a series of species and habitat action plans were developed in close collaboration with scientists, stakeholders and public authorities. They include a new EU multi-species action plan for 44 bat species protected under the Habitats

Directive (https://bit.ly/37jBkch) as well as EU species action plans for 16 bird species protected under the Birds Directive (https://bit.ly/2uxWUfS). For the first time, an EU-wide Habitat Action Plan has also been developed for semi-natural dry grasslands (habitat type “6210”), (https://bit.ly/2uqRXFX). A second plan for European dry heaths (habitat type ‘4030’) will be published later this year. Meanwhile, the Commission continues to actively support the EU Platform on the Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores, a key stakeholder forum that aims to find practical ways to encourage the coexistence between economic activities, such as farming, and large carnivores (https://bit.ly/38mwBZ2). Finally, to further improve synergies between the nature directives and other key EU environmental laws, the Commission has published a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document dealing with the relationship between the Nature Directives and the Nitrates Directive (https://bit.ly/38bQrG6). A further FAQ on interactions with the Invasive Alien Species Regulation is currently being finalised.

New Commission guidance on wind energy and nature directives will be published in 2020.

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LIFE Integrated Projects

Integrated Projects are strategic projects supporting EU Member States to achieve full implementation of Strategies or Action Plans required by the EU environmental and climate legislation. They are implemented at national or regional scales, involving relevant authorities and very significant budgets from several EU and national sources, lasting for 6–10 years on average.

Under the sub-programme for environment, these large-scale projects implement plans, strategies or roadmaps in the areas of nature (including Natura 2000 network management), water, waste, and air. Projects receive a co-funding of up to 60%, with an average of €10 million LIFE grant per project.

Full details on the LIFE database (under Integrated Projects Environment): https://bit.ly/2H94T5S

Priority C: Strengthening investment in Natura 2000 and improving synergies with EU funding instrumentsSignificant efforts have been made to strengthen investments in Natura 2000. Dedicated workshops on funding Natura 2000 have been held in 22 Member States to help them make better use of EU financing under the future 2021–2027 Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF). Member States have also been actively encouraged to update and improve their Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs). PAFs are strategic planning tools designed to help Member States establish their strategic needs and priorities for investment in Natura 2000 and related Green Infrastructure, under both EU and national funding streams (https://bit.ly/2UF6fNH). Thanks to the Nature Action Plan, the EU LIFE programme has seen a 10% increase in budget allocations for Nature and Biodiversity projects. Greater emphasis has also been placed on encouraging more strategic, large-scale Integrated Projects aimed at speeding up the implementation of the nature Directives over a larger

geographical scale. Eighteen Integrated Projects for Natura 2000 have been approved to date. LIFE and its Natural Capital Financing Facility (NCFF) are also actively encouraging private sector investment in nature projects. Meanwhile, the Commission continues to promote closer synergies with funding from the Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy, the Cohesion Policy and Horizon 2020, but it is clear that more efforts will be required to better target funds to meet the

conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites and protected species.

Priority D: Better communication and outreach, engaging citizens, stakeholders and communitiesUnder this priority, knowledge exchange and engagement of local and regional authorities has been actively supported through the Joint Platform for Cooperation on the Environment with the European Committee of the Regions (https://bit.ly/2Sx9vYJ). Several activities have taken place to raise awareness of Natura 2000 and the Nature Directives. This has included two editions of the EU Natura 2000 Award aimed at raising awareness about, and recognising excellence in, the management and promotion of the network and its many benefits to European citizens (https://bit.ly/2OJAQ8Z). It also includes an annual Europe-wide celebration of Natura 2000 day on 21 May. In 2019, over 140 celebrations and networking events took place across the EU. As part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018, the links between natural and cultural heritage in Natura

2000 sites were showcased through the publication of a series of case studies and good practice tips. This not only revealed the common challenges facing both natural and cultural heritage in the EU but also the multiple benefits of the two sectors joining forces (https://bit.ly/3bo7U02). Finally, the European Solidarity Corps supported almost 400 environment and climate change projects over the past two years under Erasmus+ and the LIFE partnership. This has given thousands of young volunteers an opportunity to get involved in nature projects on the ground (https://bit.ly/3brHpqI).

ConclusionsThe Action Plan has put in place key processes to strategically support the implementation of the Nature Directives and the delivery of their objectives. Many of its actions will continue over coming years in order to maintain the momentum generated under the Action Plan. The experience with delivery of the Nature Action Plan is also providing a valuable input into the development of the future EU Biodiversity Strategy for the post-2020 period.

Conservation volunteers helping out in a nature reserve in Belgium.

© Arterra Picture Library / Alam

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WithNatura 2000

82%

WithoutNatura 2000

18%1–2 sites

42%

6+ sites

20%

3–5 sites

38%


Contrary to popular belief, European cities harbour a surprising array of wild plants and animals, including many endangered species, and can play an important role in their conservation. There may be several reasons for this unexpected wealth. It could be linked to the fact that certain cities sprouted up in already productive regions, such as estuaries or along river banks, that were biodiverse to begin with. It could also be due to Europe’s long history of urban development that has allowed wildlife to adapt, over time, to the urban environment. The structural complexity of cities has also no doubt had a strong influence, encouraging the emergence

of a highly diversified mosaic of habitats and eco-niches capable of hosting a wide array of different species. Residential gardens and parks, for example, have become important reservoirs for bees and other pollinators that find it difficult to survive in surrounding intensively farmed agricultural areas.

Natura 2000 in cities Last year, the Commission launched a study to explore the extent to which Natura 2000 sites are present in European cities. For this, the EU Urban Atlas of Cities database was overlaid on the Natura 2000 viewer map. The analysis revealed that the vast majority (82%) of the 808 EU cities analysed (those with over 50,000 inhabitants) have Natura 2000 sites within their boundaries. In total, 2842 Natura 2000 sites are located at least partly within cities, representing around 10% of the Natura 2000 network. A third of these (855) are entirely or mostly within the city (i.e. more than 80% of their surface area is within the city boundary).

As expected, the total surface area of Natura 2000 within the city boundary is relatively small (16,737 km2) compared to size of the Natura 2000 network as a whole, but it is not insubstantial. It represents ca. 2% of the network – equivalent to an area more than half the size of Belgium. Most urban Natura 2000 sites start within the city boundary and extend outwards across the wider countryside. If these contiguous Natura 2000 areas are included, the coverage increases substantially, confirming the close proximity of many Natura 2000 sites to people and urban areas. This correlates well with recent studies that estimated that Natura 2000 covers around 15% of the total Functional Urban Area in Europe (FUA) and that 65% of EU citizens live within 5 km of a Natura 2000 site. The main habitats found in these 2842 urban Natura 2000 sites were also investigated. Forests (especially riparian forests, beech forests and oak forests), grasslands (dry grasslands, wet meadows) and

Natura 2000 in cities

No. of Natura sites per cityCities with Natura sites

Natura 2000 sites in cities provide ample opportunity for recreation, relaxation, education and discovery.

© SolStock


Birds

Mammals

Invertebrates

Fish

Reptiles

Amphibians

Plants

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

© Antoninapotapenko / iStock

In the city, nature can be ‘up close and personal’ rather than distant and abstract.


freshwater habitats (lakes and rivers) were the most frequently mentioned in the Standard Data Forms that accompany each of the 2842 sites. This is not unexpected as forests and grasslands are also the main habitat groups within the Natura 2000 network as a whole. In terms of species, birds are by far the most frequently mentioned, followed by mammals. Amongst the most common are bats and birds of prey along with kingfishers, storks, red-backed shrike, butterflies, land turtles, otter and beetles, such as the stag beetle and the great Capricorn beetle.

Nature – an integral part of the urban agenda Until now urban development has generally been viewed as a major threat to natural habitats and species due to its appetite for land. Whilst this remains true, it ignores the important role that cities can play in safeguarding biodiversity and undervalues the contribution urban areas can make in improving the quality of life and sustainability of the cities themselves if they are sustainably planned with biodiversity thinking placed at their heart. Today, many of Europe’s cities suffer from a series of demographic problems, including social inequality, segregation, unemployment, poverty, crime, congestion, urban sprawl, pollution etc… all of which

reduce their capacity to function properly. Biodiversity-rich green spaces, such as Natura 2000 sites, can help combat these problems and render the city more sustainable, liveable and resilient in many ways. They can absorb pollution from the air and waterways, reduce noise, create areas of shade and ventilation, absorb storm water and reduce run-offs. They can also encourage alternative means of transport (cycling, walking, trams) and stimulate new nature-based jobs (city farms, allotments, city parks and gardens). In addition, nature in cities provide ample opportunity for recreation, relaxation and social interaction as well as education and discovery. For many city dwellers, protected wildlife areas

often appear far off and remote, and without any relevance to their daily lives. But, in the city, nature is ‘up close and personal’ rather than distant and abstract. However, for nature to survive in an urban environment it must be given sufficient space and protection, and be managed in a sympathetic manner. It is not enough to just ‘turn a grey area into a green space’. Green spaces are not automatically synonymous with nature and biodiversity. All too often, urban parks tend to have tightly cropped lawns, well-tended flower beds (often planted with short-lived exotic plants), as well as large areas without vegetation (e.g. paths and playgrounds) and sometimes little or no tall or dense vegetation in which

Frequency of species groups in urban Natura 2000 sitesThe EnRoute initiative provides scientific knowledge of how urban ecosystems can support urban planning at different stages of policy. It illustrates how collaboration between and across different policy levels can lead to concrete green infrastructure policy setting. Its follow up – the BiodiverCities project – aims to enhance civil society participation in local and urban decision-making, building a joint vision of the green city of tomorrow. The project is collecting practical examples of how to engage citizens in vision building around urban nature, monitoring, and solutions to improve urban biodiversity. It will also assess how urban green infrastructure can be used to provide local benefits for people and nature and how it can contribute to enhancing biodiversity.

https://oppla.eu/groups/enroute | https://oppla.eu/groups/biodivercities

animals can take refuge, away from the public. Such highly managed, and largely artificial green spaces, rarely contain much biodiversity and, because they are bereft of wildlife, they do not function as well as they could when it comes to providing their valuable ecosystem services. It will therefore be crucial in coming years to ensure that green spaces are made biodiversity-rich and that biodiversity is put on the same footing as green infrastructure in urban development and regeneration programmes. The new European Green Deal launched in December 2019 should help pave the way. The Natura 2000 in Cities

report is available on: https://bit.ly/2w3oLFn


barometer

Member States

Natura 2000 network (terrestrial and marine)

TERRESTRIAL MARINE

SCI SPA Natura 2000 network SCI SPA Natura 2000 network

Total N° Natura 2000 Sites

Total area Natura 2000 km2

SCI area(km2)

SPA area(km2)

Natura area(km2)

% land area covered

SCI area(km2)

SPA area(km2)

Natura area(km2)

AUSTRIA 352 12895 9378 10334 12895 15% n.a. n.a. n.a. AT

BELGIUM 310 5163 3282 3186 3891 13% 1128 318 1271 BE

BULGARIA 341 41554 33629 25609 38728 35% 2482 550 2827 BG

CYPRUS 62 10133 959 1493 1669 30% j j j 8457 110 j j j 8464 CY

CZECH REPUBLIC 1153 11148 7951 7035 11148 14% n.a. n.a. n.a. CZ

GERMANY 5200 80831 33550 40263 55228 15% 20938 19738 25603 DE

DENMARK 384 22664 3289 2488 3616 8% 16492 12176 19048 DK

ESTONIA 567 14861 7806 6203 8106 18% 3883 6480 6754 EE

SPAIN 1872 222515 117584 101619 138111 27% 54895 52071 84405 ES

FINLAND 1866 50636 42197 24550 42495 13% 7676 7402 8141 FI

FRANCE 1776 203564 48752 44016 70875 13% 106306 j 119646 j 132689 FR

GREECE 446 58778 21912 27761 35982 27% 17528 10764 22796 GR

CROATIA 783 25954 16036 17050 20716 37% 4919 1112 5238 HR

HUNGARY 525 19949 14442 13747 19949 21% n.a. n.a. n.a. HU

IRELAND 604 19481 7163 4311 9226 13% 9781 1584 10255 IE

ITALY 2621 69302 42902 40295 57258 19% 6587 j j 8809 j j 12044 IT

LITHUANIA 556 9699 6344 5530 8136 13% 958 1056 1563 LT

LUXEMBOURG 66 702 416 418 702 27% n.a. n.a. n.a. LU

LATVIA 333 11834 7421 6607 7447 12% 2664 4280 4387 LV

MALTA 55 4184 41 16 42 13% 2283 3221 4142 MT

NETHERLANDS 197 20605 3139 4771 5522 15% 12074 8627 15083 NL

POLAND 985 68405 34196 48428 61168 20% 4339 7224 7237 PL

PORTUGAL 167 61403 15655 9199 18970 21% 37383 8747 j j 42433 PT

ROMANIA 606 60577 40310 37118 54214 23% 6188 1630 6362 RO

SWEDEN 4087 75854 55106 26448 55611 12% 20174 14448 20243 SE

SLOVENIA 355 7682 6634 5066 7672 38% 4 9 10 SI

SLOVAKIA 683 14633 6151 13105 14633 30% n.a. n.a. n.a. SK

UNITED KINGDOM* 934 153137 13176 16091 21008 9% 121745 21582 132130 UK

EU 27886 1358143 599421 542757 785018 18% 468884 311584 573125 EU

THIS NATURA BAROMETER is produced by DG Environment with the help of the European Environment Agency. It is based on information officially transmitted by Member States up to December 2019.

The Natura 2000 network is composed of sites under the Habitats Directive (pSCI, SCIs or SACs – labelled ‘SCIs’ in the barometer) and sites under the Birds Directive (SPAs). The figures relating to the total area of Natura 2000 sites (i.e. SPAs + SCIs) have been obtained through GIS analysis. This avoids any risk of counting sites twice if they have been designated under both Directives.

Arrows indicate increase in the area of the Natura 2000 network since the last update of the barometer in March 2019.

Significant progress continues to be made in the marine environment. Further marine sites have been designated in Cyprus, France, Italy and Portugal.

Natura 2000 in EU 28

Marine 42.2%Land

57.8%

* The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union as of 1 February 2020. During the transition period, which ends on 31 December 2020, Union law, with a few limited exceptions, continues to be applicable to and in the United Kingdom.

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Member States

Natura 2000 network (terrestrial and marine)

TERRESTRIAL MARINE

SCI SPA Natura 2000 network SCI SPA Natura 2000 network

Total N° Natura 2000 Sites

Total area Natura 2000 km2

SCI area(km2)

SPA area(km2)

Natura area(km2)

% land area covered

SCI area(km2)

SPA area(km2)

Natura area(km2)

AUSTRIA 352 12895 9378 10334 12895 15% n.a. n.a. n.a. AT

BELGIUM 310 5163 3282 3186 3891 13% 1128 318 1271 BE

BULGARIA 341 41554 33629 25609 38728 35% 2482 550 2827 BG

CYPRUS 62 10133 959 1493 1669 30% j j j 8457 110 j j j 8464 CY

CZECH REPUBLIC 1153 11148 7951 7035 11148 14% n.a. n.a. n.a. CZ

GERMANY 5200 80831 33550 40263 55228 15% 20938 19738 25603 DE

DENMARK 384 22664 3289 2488 3616 8% 16492 12176 19048 DK

ESTONIA 567 14861 7806 6203 8106 18% 3883 6480 6754 EE

SPAIN 1872 222515 117584 101619 138111 27% 54895 52071 84405 ES

FINLAND 1866 50636 42197 24550 42495 13% 7676 7402 8141 FI

FRANCE 1776 203564 48752 44016 70875 13% 106306 j 119646 j 132689 FR

GREECE 446 58778 21912 27761 35982 27% 17528 10764 22796 GR

CROATIA 783 25954 16036 17050 20716 37% 4919 1112 5238 HR

HUNGARY 525 19949 14442 13747 19949 21% n.a. n.a. n.a. HU

IRELAND 604 19481 7163 4311 9226 13% 9781 1584 10255 IE

ITALY 2621 69302 42902 40295 57258 19% 6587 j j 8809 j j 12044 IT

LITHUANIA 556 9699 6344 5530 8136 13% 958 1056 1563 LT

LUXEMBOURG 66 702 416 418 702 27% n.a. n.a. n.a. LU

LATVIA 333 11834 7421 6607 7447 12% 2664 4280 4387 LV

MALTA 55 4184 41 16 42 13% 2283 3221 4142 MT

NETHERLANDS 197 20605 3139 4771 5522 15% 12074 8627 15083 NL

POLAND 985 68405 34196 48428 61168 20% 4339 7224 7237 PL

PORTUGAL 167 61403 15655 9199 18970 21% 37383 8747 j j 42433 PT

ROMANIA 606 60577 40310 37118 54214 23% 6188 1630 6362 RO

SWEDEN 4087 75854 55106 26448 55611 12% 20174 14448 20243 SE

SLOVENIA 355 7682 6634 5066 7672 38% 4 9 10 SI

SLOVAKIA 683 14633 6151 13105 14633 30% n.a. n.a. n.a. SK

UNITED KINGDOM* 934 153137 13176 16091 21008 9% 121745 21582 132130 UK

EU 27886 1358143 599421 542757 785018 18% 468884 311584 573125 EU

update December 2019

Land cover within the Natura 2000 networkThe CORINE Land Cover (CLC) inventory was initiated in 1985 (reference year 1990). It consists of a harmonised inventory of 44 land cover classes across all EU countries. Updates have been produced in 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018. The CLC data is now part of the Copernicus programme. The Natura 2000 network was laid over the Corine Land Cover (level 1) to reveal the types of principal land use within the network as a whole and per country. The two most prominent categories – agricultural area and forest and semi-natural areas – are presented below for each country. As can be seen, the Natura 2000 network as a whole is made up mostly of forest and semi-natural areas (65%) followed by agricultural areas (24%), wetlands (5%) water bodies (5%) and artificial areas (1%).

Agriculturalareas24%

Forests and semi-natural areas

65%

Artificialsurfaces1%

Waterbodies

5%Wetlands5%

CoUNTRyAGRICULTURAL

AREASFoREST ANd SEMI-NATURAL AREAS

Austria 19% 75%Belgium 32% 60%Bulgaria 29% 68%Croatia 24% 71%Cyprus 15% 83%Czechia 25% 71%Denmark 30% 44%Estonia 7% 61%Finland 0% 65%France 33% 60%Germany 38% 55%Greece 20% 75%Hungary 36% 54%Ireland 15% 30%Italy 21% 74%Latvia 22% 58%Lithuania 21% 67%Luxembourg 41% 57%Malta 39% 57%Netherlands 12% 34%Poland 34% 58%Portugal 40% 55%Romania 28% 61%Slovakia 25% 74%Slovenia 20% 79%Spain 24% 73%Sweden 1% 74%United Kingdom 5% 48%Grand total 24% 65%

j Small increase in 2019jj Moderate increase in 2019jjj Substantial increase in 2019

9


The new European Green Deal

“The European Green Deal will turn Europe into the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050.”President Ursula von der Leyen

The new CommissionOn 1 December 2019, the new European Commission President – Ursula von der Leyen – and her team of 26 Commissioners began their five-year political mandate. Just 10 days later, they set out an ambitious new European Green Deal aimed at tackling the most pressing EU environmental and climate-related problems. With the new strategy, these challenges will be turned into new opportunities across all EU policy areas to boost the economy, while promoting a transition towards a more sustainable growth agenda that is socially just and leaves no-one behind.

The European Green Deal will engage all sectors of the economy, especially transport, energy, agriculture, construction and industries like steel, cement, information and communications technology, textiles and chemicals. It will be further supported by a comprehensive investment drive designed to help the EU transition towards a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. The ultimate goal is to decouple economic growth from resource use and to restore environmental quality and health for both people and nature.

By working together, the 27 Member States can significantly transform the EU’s economy and society, and put them on a more sustainable path, building on its strengths as a global leader on climate and environmental measures, consumer protection, and workers’ rights. However, as the drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss are global, Europe cannot act alone. The Commission will therefore continue to promote its environmental goals and standards internationally, leading by example and using its influence and expertise to mobilise other nations to follow a more sustainable path.


Last December the Commission adopted a new roadmap for a more sustainable growth agenda.

© im

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© Xinhua / Alam

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Priorities for 2020The details of the new Green Deal are set out in a Commission communication, published on 11 December 2019. The document outlines over 50 key policy initiatives and concrete actions that the Commission will put forward progressively over the next few years (see roadmap below): Several initiatives are directly relevant for biodiversity. They include the following:

• A European ‘Climate Law’ will be proposed by March 2020. This will enshrine the 2050 climate neutrality objective in legislation. The Climate Law will also ensure that all EU policies contribute to the climate neutrality objective and that all sectors play their part. In parallel, the Climate Law will address the risk of carbon leakage in order to avoid that production is transferred from the EU to other countries with lower climate ambitions or that EU products are replaced by more carbon-intensive imports.

As the world’s largest single market, the EU is in a strong position to set standards that apply across global value chains. Industry also seems ready for this move. In November 2019, 44 of Europe’s largest investors, representing €6 trillion of assets, called on the EU to adopt, as quickly as possible, a new climate law for climate neutrality by 2050. This, they say, should give them the confidence to make long-term decisions about investments.

• A new Biodiversity Strategy will also be proposed by the end of March 2020, and will be followed by a detailed action plan in 2021. The strategy will outline the EU’s position and ambitions for a new global biodiversity framework, expected to be adopted at the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity next October.

As Europe aims to lead by example, the Biodiversity Strategy will identify specific targets and measures. These could include quantified objectives, such as increasing the coverage of protected biodiversity-rich land and sea areas, building on the Natura 2000 network. Member States will also be encouraged

to reinforce cross-border cooperation over the protection and restoration of sites within the Natura 2000 network.

Additionally, the Commission will identify measures (including legislation) which would help Member States improve and restore damaged ecosystems, including carbon-rich ecosystems. This could take the form of a nature restoration plan supported by targeted funding. Proposals will also be made to green European cities and increase biodiversity in urban spaces.

• A new ‘Farm to Fork’ Strategy will be put forward in Spring 2020 to pave the way for a more sustainable food policy. This will be combined with the launch of a broad stakeholder debate covering all the stages of the food chain. The new Strategy will aim to strengthen the efforts of European farmers and fishermen to tackle climate change, protect the environment and preserve biodiversity as well as reduce the environmental impact of the food processing and retail sectors.

As the Common Agriculture Policy and Common Fisheries Policy for 2021–2027 will remain the main support mechanisms for farmers and fishermen, the Commission will work closely with the Member States and stakeholders to ensure that, from the outset, the new National Strategic Plans for agriculture and fisheries fully reflect the ambitions of the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. Moreover, during the course of 2021, the Commission will identify the measures (including legislation) that are needed to significantly reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides, fertilisers and antibiotics.

• Also in 2021, the Commission will adopt a zero pollution action plan for air, water and soil. The EU needs to better monitor, report, prevent and remedy pollution from air, water, soil, and consumer products in order to better protect its citizens and the environment. This means looking more systematically at all policies and regulations with a view to strengthening and enforcing existing laws or proposing new measures where gaps are identified.

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Mobilising research and fostering innovation New technologies, sustainable solutions and major innovation are critical to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal. To keep its competitive advantage in clean technologies, the EU will need to significantly increase the large-scale deployment and demonstration of new technologies across sectors and across the single market, building new innovative value chains. The Horizon Europe programme, in synergy with other EU programmes, can play a pivotal role in leveraging national public and private investments in this sector. The intention is therefore to allocate at least 35% of the Horizon Europe budget to financing research into new solutions for climate, that are relevant for implementing the Green Deal. Four ‘Green Deal Missions’ will help deliver large-scale changes in areas such as adaptation to climate change, oceans, cities and soil. These missions will bring a wide range of stakeholders together, including regions and citizens. Partnerships with industry and Member States will also support research and innovation on transport, including batteries, clean hydrogen, low-carbon steel making, circular bio-based sectors and the built environment.

In 2020, the Commission will propose a new strategy for sustainable and smart mobility.


Financing the Green DealClearly, meeting the objectives of the European Green Deal will require significant additional investment. The Commission has estimated that achieving the current 2030 climate and energy targets alone will require €260 billion of additional annual investment, which represents about 1.5% of 2018 GDP. This means that both the public and private sectors will need to be mobilised. To kick-start this new investment drive, the Commission launched a Sustainable Europe Investment Plan in January 2020 to mobilise EU funding and create an enabling framework to facilitate and stimulate the public and private investments needed for the transition towards a climate-neutral, green, competitive and inclusive economy. Complementing other initiatives announced under the Green Deal, the plan is based on three dimensions: financing to mobilise at least €1 trillion of sustainable investments over the next decade; enabling by providing incentives to unlock and redirect public and private investment; and practical support from the Commission to public authorities and project promoters in planning, designing and executing sustainable projects. The EU’s budget will play a key role in pump-priming this investment drive. The proposal is to allocate 25% of the budget to climate mainstreaming across all EU programmes under the new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021–2027. The European Investment Bank will also be heavily involved through its Invest EU fund. Because not all Member States are at the same starting point, a Just Transition Mechanism will be set up to channel at least €100 billion into those regions that are most exposed to the economic and social challenges of the

KEy ELEmEnTS oF ThE EuropEan GrEEn DEaL Key actions Key Measures foreseen in 2020

increasing the eu’s climate ambition for 2030 and 2050

• A European Climate Law enshrining the 2050 climate neutrality objective in legislation by March 2020

• Comprehensive plan to increase the EU 2030 climate target to at least 50% by october 2020

supplying clean, affordable and secure energy

• Assess the ambition of the final National Energy and Climate plans by June 2020

• Review of the Trans-European Network – Energy Regulation• offshore Wind initiative

Mobilising industry for a clean and circular economy

• EU industrial Strategy by March 2020• A new Circular Economy Action Plan, including a

sustainable products policy by March 2020

building and renovatingin an energy and resource-efficient way

• Renovation wave for the building sector aiming to double the current renovation rate

a zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment

• Chemicals Strategy for sustainability in June 2020• Zero pollution action plan for air, water and soil in 2021

Preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity

• EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 by March 2020• New EU forest strategy

from farm to fork: a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system

• Farm to Fork strategy in Spring 2020

accelerating the shift to a sustainable and smart mobility

• Strategy for sustainable and smart mobility

financing the transition whilst leaving no-one behind

• Proposal for a Just Transition Mechanism, including a Just Transition Fund and a Sustainable Europe Investment Plan in January 2020

the eu as a global leader • Continue to lead the international climate and biodiversity negotiations, further strengthening the international policy framework

Working together • Launch a European Climate pact March 2020 • 8th Environmental Action Plan

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The new EU Farm to Fork strategy will cover all stages of the food chain.


transition to a climate neutral economy. These regions are still highly dependent on fossil fuels or on carbon-intensive processes. At the same time, the mechanism will also protect citizens, re-skill workers and help create jobs in emerging climate neutral economic sectors, or in energy-efficient housing. Finally, the private sector will also be encouraged to contribute to financing the green transition. The Commission will therefore present a Green Financing Strategy in the third quarter of 2020 that will focus on a number of actions to promote and mobilise private sustainable finance. Involving civil society The involvement and commitment of the public and of all stakeholders is crucial to the success of the European Green Deal. Recent political events show that game-changing policies only work if citizens are fully involved in designing them. The Commission will therefore launch a European Climate Pact by March 2020 to focus on different ways to engage with the public on climate action. The first step will be to foster a greater public understanding

of the threat and the challenge of climate change and environmental degradation, and share ideas on how to counter this. The Commission will use multiple channels and tools to do so, including events in Member States, drawing on its experience with its on-going citizens’ dialogues. Secondly, both real and virtual spaces will be created for people to express their ideas and creativity, and work together, both at individual and collective level. Participants will be encouraged to commit to specific climate action goals. Thirdly, the Commission will work on building capacity to facilitate grassroots initiatives on climate change and environmental protection and encourage an exchange of good practices.

Endorsing the European Green Deal The Commission presented the Green Deal to both the European Parliament and the European Council in December 2019 in order to receive their full backing for its overall political ambition and for the measures proposed. Full details on the European Green Deal are available on: https://bit.ly/36YWBrG

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euroPe’s state of the environMent 2020In December 2019, The European Environment Agency published its latest report on the ‘European environment — state and outlook 2020 (SOER 2020)’. It concludes that overall environmental trends in Europe have not improved since the last EEA report in 2015. The assessment notes however that, while most of the 2020 targets will not be achieved, especially those on biodiversity, there is still a chance to meet the longer-term goals and objectives for 2030 and 2050. Europe has made important gains in resource efficiency and the circular economy. However, recent trends highlight a slowing down of progress in areas such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, industrial emissions, waste generation, improving energy efficiency and the share of renewable energy. Looking ahead, the current rate of progress will not be enough to meet 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets. There has been much less progress in achieving objectives for the protection and conservation of European biodiversity and nature than for other areas. Of the 13 specific policy objectives set for 2020 in this area, only two are likely to be met: designating marine protected areas and terrestrial protected areas. Looking ahead to 2030, if current trends continue, further deterioration of nature and continued pollution of air, water and soil is expected. The inevitable impacts of climate change, air and noise pollution on the environment and human health are also still of concern. Exposure to fine particulate matter is responsible for around 400 000 premature deaths in Europe every year, affecting central and eastern European countries disproportionally. There is also growing concern over hazardous chemicals and the risks they pose. Looking ahead, the prospects for reducing environmental risks to health could be improved with a better integration of environment and health policies. The report urges European countries, leaders and policymakers to seize the opportunity and use the next decade to radically scale up and speed up actions to put Europe back on track to meeting its medium and longer-term environmental policy goals and targets to avoid irreversible change and damage.

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Progress in reducing air, water and soil pollution across Europe has been slowing down in recent years.

Europe intends to lead by example on the global climate challenge.


• NEWS • PUBLICATIONS • EVENTS

A new EU Raptor Conservation StrategyIn January, the Commission published a new all-encompassing report on the EU’s Strategic Approach to Raptor Conservation, as requested under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). The document details the full range of activities that are underway, within the existing EU legal framework, notably the Birds Directive, to protect and improve the conservation of raptor species that occur in Europe. Many of the 50 species of birds of prey present in the EU remain under threat from a range of activities, including illegal killing and poisoning, habitat loss and degradation, a

reduction in prey, electrocution and collisions with powerlines. In the case of migratory species, these pressures are often exacerbated during periods of migration and over-wintering, hence the need for a strategic coordinated approach along their flyway. See: https://bit.ly/3c4VfPX

Natura 2000 award On 15 October 2019, the fifth edition of the Natura 2000 Award closed for applications. Eighty eligible applications were received from 27 EU Member States, which is more than in the previous edition. The range of themes covered is as impressive as ever and illustrates the very real contributions that Natura

2000 managers continue to make to protecting and managing European nature. The finalists for each of the five award categories – communication, socio-economic benefits, conservation, reconciling interests and perceptions, cross-border cooperation and networking – was announced in February. A high-level jury will now decide on the winners, to be revealed at a major award ceremony in Brussels in June during Green Week. A sixth award will also be given to the finalist who receives the most public votes. So, be sure to cast your vote for your favourite project before mid May. Last time over 50,000 people voted. See: https://bit.ly/30JP6Dr

Green Week 2020 This year’s EU Green Week 2020, to be held in Brussels from 1–5 June, will put the spotlight on the looming global biodiversity crisis. The aim is to explore possible pathways for change and examine how a range of EU policies – such as the new European Green Deal – can help step-up actions to protect, restore and sustainably manage nature, both in Europe and across the globe. Green Week also marks an important milestone along the path to the 15th Biodiversity Convention conference in Kunming, China, in October 2020, where world leaders will need to adopt a new 10-year action plan for biodiversity – dubbed the new global deal for people and nature. See: https://bit.ly/36fUUWv

The 2020 State of Nature reportAfter two years of intensive data gathering and reporting, Member States have now submitted their national reports to the Commission on the conservation status of species and habitats that are protected under the two Nature Directives and present in their territory. This exercise is done every six years and involves the collation of over 15,000 datasets on individual species and habitats from all EU countries. The European Environment Agency’s Topic Centre for Biodiversity is currently cross-checking the national reports in order to be able to aggregate the results at an EU level. This will lead to the publication of a new State of EU Nature report in October 2020. First results will, however, be presented in Green Week in June 2020. See: https://bit.ly/38sbvYG

New LIFE nature projects Last autumn, 52 new nature and biodiversity projects were agreed for funding under the EU LIFE programme, representing a total investment of €260 million, with around €160 million coming from LIFE. Projects will again tackle a wide range of issues from controlling invasive species, such as the American bullfrog in Belgium or American mink in Greece and restoring important wildlife habitats along the Danube or in Swedish, Spanish and Scottish rivers, to preserving old-growth forests in Romania and conserving threatened species, such as the lesser spotted eagle in Bulgaria or the fire-bellied toad in Slovenia and Denmark. See: https://bit.ly/2RIS8E9

Bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus, Spain.

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European dry heaths are present in 24 Member States and have mostly an unfavourable conservation status.

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The EU Interreg programme and Natura 2000In place since 1990, Interreg provides a framework for the implementation of joint actions between national, regional and local actors from different Member States. This includes actions to protect and restore Europe’s biodiversity. Under the current programme (2014–2020) around €581 million of EU investment is foreseen for nature and biodiversity. Of this, €163 million is specifically for the protection, restoration and sustainable use of Natura 2000 sites. Around 190 projects involving Natura 2000 sites have been funded since 2000, which represents a total EU investment of almost of €200 million. In January this year, the Commission published a report on the use of Interreg for the management of cross-border or transnational Natura 2000 sites and protected species, such as the European lnyx, freshwater pearl mussel or common tern, in order to illustrate the wide range of activities that can be funded under the programme. The aim is to encourage further applications for nature and biodiversity under Interreg. See: https://bit.ly/2VmKHpA

The Non-Energy Extractive Industry and Natura 2000 The Non-Energy Extractive Industry (NEEI) provides many of the basic raw materials for Europe’s manufacturing and construction industries. In 2011, the Commission published guidance to assist the industry in ensuring their extraction plans and projects are in line with the requirements of EU nature legislation and avoid or minimise any potential effects on Natura 2000 sites. In order to complement this guidance, and as foreseen

under the Action Plan for Nature, People and the Economy, the Commission published a series of good practice examples recently to illustrate how different types of NEEI activities have succeeded in practice to meet the demand for raw materials, whilst at the same time safeguarding Natura 2000 sites, and, where possible, further enhancing biodiversity, especially through land restoration. See: https://bit.ly/30GqrzQ

New Habitat Action Plans In November 2019, the Commission published the first ever EU Habitat Action Plan for semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (6210), a habitat type protected under the Habitats Directive. A second Action Plan for European dry heaths (code 4030) will be published in spring. Both habitat types are present in a large number of Member States and have an unfavourable conservation status across much of their range. They are also important refuges for many other protected species and pollinator species. The action plans describe the conservation status, ecological requirements and major threats to the habitats

before going on to identify the key actions and measures that are required to improve their conservation within the EU. Both plans are the result of two years of extensive consultations with leading scientific experts, stakeholders and competent Member States’ authorities. See: https://bit.ly/2TI5tz7

Latest on the Biogeographical ProcessThe Atlantic and Boreal Natura 2000 seminars, held in 2019, helped to build capacity and develop transboundary cooperation priorities across the Natura 2000 community, for instance in relation to identifying conservation measures or improving landscape connectivity. Last year also saw various technical workshops being organised across the EU on a wide range of topics, from remote sensing to calcareous grassland conservation and marine site management. The third Alpine and Mediterranean seminars will be held in 2020, the dates will be announced soon. See: https://bit.ly/36hpoHR

Update on the Large Carnivores PlatformThe EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large

Conducting a population survey of freshwater pearl mussels under the Interreg programme.

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The Natura 2000 Newsletter is produced by DG Environment, European Commission. Author: Kerstin Sundseth Ecosystems LTD, Brussels. Commission Editor: Sofia Pachini, DG Environment. Design: www.naturebureau.co.uk

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2020. © European Union, 2020

Reuse is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. The reuse policy of European Commission documents is regulated by Decision 2011/833/EU (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39). For any use or reproduction of photos or other material that is not under the EU copyright, permission must be sought directly from the copyright holders.

The newsletter does not necessarily reflect the official view of the European Commission.

Photos: Cover © Sven Zacek / naturepl.com; p. 2 © Pat Tucson / naturepl.com, © SolStock, © imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo, © Bruno D’Amicie / naturepl.com, © Dati Bendo / European Commission; p. 3 © Rudmer Zwerver / Alamy Stock Photo; p. 4 © David Tipling / naturepl.com; p. 5 © Arterra Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo; p. 6 © SolStock; p. 7 © Antoninapotapenko / iStock; p. 10 © Xinhua / Alamy Stock Photo © imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo; p. 11 © eye35 / Alamy Stock Photo; p. 12 © Ian G Dagnall / Alamy Stock Photo; p. 13 © Andy Rouse / naturepl.com; p. 14 © Markus Varesvuo / naturepl.com / Alamy Stock Photo; p. 15 © Project website, © David Pattyn / naturepl.com; p. 16 © Bruno D’Amicie / naturepl.com

Print ISSN 1026-6151 KH-AA-20-001-EN-CPDF ISSN 2443-7727 KH-AA-20-001-EN-N

Carnivores continues to explore ways of minimising conflicts between human interests and large carnivore species. During the course of 2019 and early 2020, several regional or local meetings were held in Romania, Italy, Spain, Germany and Austria. Plans are also afoot to establish further regional platforms in France, Germany and Sweden under two EU-funded projects. Meanwhile, a Frequently Asked Questions paper has been drafted on large carnivores in Europe and their common misperceptions. A new interactive webpage has also been produced to illustrate the different measures that Member States are taking to tackle conflicts in different regions of the EU. This will be updated at regular intervals.

See: https://bit.ly/36fQy1H

EU Conference on pollinatorsThe European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions co-organised a Conference on “Halting the loss of pollinators: the role of the EU agricultural and regional development policies” on 21 February in Brussels. The conference took stock of the contribution of the current

EU agricultural and regional development policies to the conservation of pollinators and discussed how to build on the lessons learnt to ensure more effective measures and projects during the 2021-2027 period. See: https://bit.ly/3aydjkC

Global business meets to act for natureIn November 2019, over 320 representatives from business and finance communities, as well as governments and civil society convened in Madrid for the European Business and Nature Summit (EBNS). The Summit provided an opportunity to discuss ways of scaling

pLEaSE rE-SuBSCrIBE To ThE nEWSLETTErPlease remember to re-subscribe to the newsletter if you wish to continue to receive a paper copy in one of the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Polish. The current mailing list will be cancelled after this issue. Go to: https://bit.ly/2GcrZrZ

initiatives that are integrating natural capital and biodiversity into their daily management practices, and taking practical action for nature on the ground. They include initiatives such as ‘Value Balancing Alliance’, ‘Business for Nature’ or ‘One Planet Business for Biodiversity’. See: https://bit.ly/2O4FFJZ

Results of the newsletter survey We would like to thank all those who took the time to complete the online survey on this newsletter. We received over 500 replies in all! We are happy to report that the vast majority of respondents were generally satisfied, rating the contents of the newsletter as good (58.4%) or excellent (26.9%). There were also a lot of useful comments and suggestions on how the newsletter could be further improved in years to come. We will make every effort to take these into account in future issues.

Flowering mountain pasture, Gran Sasso National Park, Central Apennines, Italy.

up the integration of natural capital and biodiversity into economic decision-making, in the run-up to the 2020 UN Biodiversity Conference. Because mobilising the private sector is such a critical part of delivering an ambitious post-2020 biodiversity framework, the summit drew particular attention to various

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’Amicie / naturepl.com

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